MUSIC NOTES: Valentine's gala, Family Day dance

Vaughan Citizen

Love will undoubtedly still be in the air Saturday, Feb. 16 at the Presidente Banquet Hall in Concord (1133 Creditstone Road).
That’s when the aptly-named Heart to Heart Foundation will throw its second annual Valentine’s gala in support of the cardiology department at SickKids Hospital.
Event organizer Stefania Tersigni Pizzi’s own heart is as wide as all of York Region, and beats passionately with the desire to create a memorable experience for people and unique opportunities for local businesses to help others.
Besides what’s sure to be a fabulous four-course meal from the fine chefs at Presidente (with open bar), there will be late night sweets and savouries, swag bags, door prizes, raffles and a romantically fun photo booth.
Ms Pizzi has ensured that music will flow all night long by lining up several talented performers through Woodbridge-based talent agency EMG Canada.
Toronto Dance Salsa will spice up the festivities, while John Morello will have ladies swooning with his debonair Dean Martin tribute.
There will even be a little country crooning courtesy of Kaitlin Kozell.
They’ll be joined by the multilingual Carlo Coppola as well R&B soulstress Nadine Fiore and pop opera singer Belinda Naccarato.
It should be an unforgettable night that can make a meaningful difference in young people’s lives.
Tickets are available by going to Facebook.com/TheHearttoHeartFoundation.ValentinesGala, or by calling 647-638-LOVE. Aww…
Who’s worthy of the 20-year treatment?
Last week, I was very excited to learn that one of my favourite ’90s alternative bands, The Breeders, are bringing their Last Splash 20th anniversary tour to Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall May 11.
It got me thinking of all the great albums from that particular year that I’d love to see performed from start to finish.
To name but three from groups that are still together and going strong, there’s Radiohead’s debut Pablo Honey, Pearl Jam’s Vs. and Siamese Dream by The Smashing Pumpkins, although they only have one original member remaining.
Any others you remember fondly? Nirvana’s In Utero would be tough to pull off in that regard, but I wouldn’t put anything past their drummer at the time, Dave Grohl.
If you haven’t already, download and watch the outstanding music documentary he directed at SoundCityMovie.com.
Family Day dance party
Ontario’s newest holiday, Family Day, is Monday, Feb.18.
I don’t know about the rest of you in York Region, but I plan on spending some quality family time rocking out with my two kids throughout the day.
I have an idea of some songs from artists not named Justin Bieber that would be appropriate for them.
Songs such as the power pop-ish Buddy Holly by Weezer and Tick Tick Boom from the matching black-and-white suit-wearing Hives are two of my perennial favourites, along with Vampire Weekend’s fast-paced and almost hiccuping Cousins.
Gotta include my kids’ extended family members. Are any of you familiar with streaming music discovery service Rdio.com?
To entice new users, they’re offering Canadians free, unlimited six-month trials. Sign up, find and follow me there and let’s build a family-friendly rock playlist together.